First-year Kendall Thompson drives to the hoop in the Gusties' 60-54 win on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Jess Williams '16)
Gustavus 60, Augsburg 54 (Box) | Photo Gallery
ST. PETER, Minn. – Despite a slow start, the Gustavus Adolphus College women’s basketball team was able to come back and earn a 60-54 victory over Augsburg College on Saturday afternoon at Gus Young Court. The Gusties trailed 14-5 after the first quarter, but went on a 21-7 run in the second to take a 26-22 lead into halftime, and eventually earn the win. The Gusties improve to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in the MIAC with the victory, while Augsburg falls to 9-8 overall and 4-6 in the league.
“While this wasn’t our best game, it’s nice to get back on the winning track,” said Coach Laurie Kelly. “We came out of the gates slow, but got back on track in the second quarter and got our offense going. I think when that happens, it triggers some of the nice things we were able to do defensively as well.”
After falling behind 14-5 after the first quarter, the Gusties came out with new life in the second, getting three-pointers from Mikayla Miller (So., Goodhue, Minn.) and Justine Lee (Fy., Dawson, Minn.) to start the period. Gustavus took its first lead of the game off a Brooke Lemke (Fy., Delano, Minn.) jumper with 4:38 remaining in the half, and built that lead to seven at one point before going into the half up four at 26-22.
In the third quarter, the Gusties continued to build on their lead and looked to be in control going into the fourth up 11 at 43-32. However, Augsburg would not go quietly and went on an 8-2 run in the first 2:10 of the final period to cut the Gustie lead to 45-40. Gustavus proceeded to go on a 6-0 run of its own, but the Auggies had more left in the tank and with 1:15 remaining in the game, were down just three. From that point, the Black and Gold were able to pull down some key rebounds and notch big free-throws, including one from Lemke and two more from senior Lindsey Johnson (Edina, Minn.) to pull away and earn the 60-54 victory.
“For us, rebounding was huge, especially on the offensive end,” said Kelly. “We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, so to get second chance opportunities was key for us. We still have too many unforced turnovers though, and need to find a way to value the ball more each possession. Down the stretch, Brooke and Lindsey’s free-throws were big for us and we got some nice stops as well. Our depth continues to really help us because we can play people less minutes, but we need to be more productive in some of those minutes we’re playing.”
Miller and Miranda Rice (So., Forest Lake, Minn.) led the Gusties in scoring with 12 apiece on 3-of-11 and 5-of-7 shooting, respectively. Emee Udo (So., Apple Valley, Minn.) led the team in rebounds with eight, while Hannah Howard (Jr., St. Paul, Minn.) pulled down seven, and Kelsey Carpenter (Jr., St. Peter, Minn.) and Rice each pulled down six. Overall, Gustavus out-rebounded Augsburg 48-32.
“Overall, there are a number of things to be happy with,” said Kelly. “We obviously still have things we need to keep working on in order to meet some of the goals we have as a team for the remainder of the year.”
Gustavus heads to Arden Hills, Minn. on Wednesday for a rematch with Bethel University, whom the Gusties defeated 71-63 earlier this season. Tipoff with the Royals is set for 7 p.m.